The Merchant & Mills Elementary Sewing Skills book is packed full of useful techniques for wardrobe maintenance and alterations. Bound in linen, with crystal clear instructions and sequenced illustrations on topics including darts and gathering, seams, ease, hems, interfacing and closures.  There is advice on using and understanding patterns and performing basic alterations.

Successful sewing is very achievable: just make sure that you have this book and remember the Merchant & Mills motto. "Keep it simple & do it well".